In duodenum, dietary chicory increased the villus height and villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio, but the duodenal crypt depth remained unaffected.

However, in jejunum, the villus height, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio were decreased by dietary chicory compared with control birds.

In ileum, the villus height and villus crypt depth was decreased by dietary chicory supplementation compared with control, but, the villus height to crypt depth ratio was increased.

Electrophysiological parameters

Moreover, dietary chicory relatively affected the electrophysiological parameters of the intestine but did not reach significance.

The amount of ΔIsc after d-glucose addition to the jejunal mucosa was numerically higher for chicory fed birds than control birds.

The percentage of increase in the Isc after d-glucose addition (ΔIsc %) was higher for chicory group upto (90%) of the control group.

In colon, the actual Isc value and Isc after d-glucose addition was numerically higher for chicory fed birds than control birds.

Moreover, the conductance of jejunal and colonic tissues after d-glucose addition remained unaffected by the dietary chicory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addition of chicory to broilers diet increased the duodenal villus height, villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio and decreased the villus height and crypt depth in both jejenum and ileum.